Charterhouse kit at Glasgow Academy

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Charterhouse kit at Glasgow Academy: With a fleet of natural and synthetic machinery from Charterhouse Turf Machinery, Head Groundsman Robert Cheape is well equipped to maintain the four separate sites that make up The Glasgow Academy.

He has recently taken delivery of his third Verti-Drain®, a 7521, for the regular aeration of the eight grass rugby pitches, while an X-treme Clean is ensuring the playability and safety of their four artificial surfaces.

Charterhouse kit at Glasgow Academy

Charterhouse kit at Glasgow Academy

With facilities for cricket, ladies and men’s hockey and tennis, it is the rugby section that is best known – with Glasgow Academicals RFC celebrating their 150th anniversary in the 2016-17 season. “Our rugby pitches see a lot of play, from both external clubs and the 1400 pupils of the academy” explains Robert, who has been at the school for 36 years. “Weather permitting, we carry out aeration once a month, and for over 20 years that’s been with a combination of a Charterhouse slitter and Verti-Drain®.” Upgrading their machine roughly every seven years, Robert’s latest model – the 7521 – was delivered by local dealer Hamilton Brothers.

“It was the 2.1m working width and the range of tine options that really appealed with the 7521. We can go out with solid tines working at depths of up to 16” through the winter months alongside our slitter, then incorporate.some hollow coring between March and September. This gives us ultimate flexibility to react to ground conditions and adjust penetration and heave accordingly.” By keeping on top of routine maintenance, Robert has also been impressed with the reliability of the Verti-Drain®. “They’re well-built and easy to operate and maintain – with all of our Verti-Drain’s® we’ve never had any issues with breakdowns.”

On the club’s two full-size astro hockey pitches, together with their two ¾ size MUGA surfaces, it’s a trusty combination of brushes from the Charterhouse synthetic collection used alongside the X-treme Clean 1200. “We brush once a week and then follow up with a monthly pass of the X-treme Clean.” Using horizontally rotating brushes, the X-treme Clean lifts the pile and agitates the infill – removing dirt, debris and compaction. “As with all of our Charterhouse kit, it’s efficient, reliable and does exactly what you want it to. We’ve used it for years and will be happy to do so for many more to come.”

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Makita launches new 40V saws

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Makita launches new 40V saws: Makita UK has added the HS004G Circular Saw and JR001G Reciprocating Saw to its new XGT 40V Max range of high-performance cordless tools. Both machines have been engineered to make high-demand work quicker, easier and safer. 

The 190mm HS004G Circular Saw features Makita’s brushless motor technology for improved efficiency and longer battery life. It has twin LED job lights, is compatible with the Makita guide rail system without an adapter and is capable of 48° bevel cuts.

Makita launches new 40V saws

Makita launches new 40V saws

The HS004G also has a soft start function and a no-load speed of 6,000rpm but the inclusion of Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive (ADT) Technology means that the cutting speed is automatically adjusted according to the load conditions. On light duty work it runs at the higher speeds while for heavy duty applications it automatically switches to a higher torque mode. It also has an indicator lamp to warn of overload conditions.

For improved operator safety, the HS004G is compatible with Makita’s Bluetooth dust extractors through the Auto-start Wireless System (AWS). When the tool is switched on, the dust extractor runs automatically, making dust management easy and effective.

Also added to the XGT range, is the JR001G Brushless Reciprocating Saw. It offers outstanding performance with a cutting speed of up to 3000 strokes per minute, two electronic speed settings and a variable speed trigger. When compared to Makita’s LXT Twin 18V (36V) machines, the new 40V JR001G cuts metal 10% faster and wood 35% faster, allowing improved productivity and even greater build quality within the tool and the batteries.

The new reciprocating saw is lightweight at just 4.2kg, has an ergonomically designed handle for comfortable operation and a vertical crank mechanism for smooth cutting. It also features a toolless shoe adjustment and simple blade ejection lever allowing quick changes without the risk from residual heat in the blade.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “Every tool in our XGT range has been engineered to deliver the highest performance with all the benefits of cordless power. With automatic speed control and wireless connection to dust extraction units, the new circular saw ensures both effective and safe work, even on the most demanding tasks. The newly added reciprocating saw makes cutting metal, wood or pipe fast and efficient with less strain on the operator.”

To find out more about these new additions and the rest of the Makita XGT range visit www.makitauk.com.

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Welcome to Tri Station

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Welcome to Tri Station: Tri Station is a unique free-standing hand sanitiser station that can be custom branded with company logos and colours.

As businesses start returning to limited or full operation, many face the challenge of ensuring that employees and customers adhere to the stringent health and safety regulations, required for WHO (World Health organisation) compliance. As part of these regulations – hand sanitiser is highly recommended.

Welcome to Tri Station

Welcome to Tri Station

The free-standing Tri Station is a creative solution which can be placed by an entrance, high traffic areas, toilets, canteens or in any other prominent position within the workplace. In fact, many customers have claimed that they switched from wall mounted hand sanitisers to Tri Station units because they are more visible – providing both staff and customers with a peace of mind.

Furthermore, the robust units, which can be used indoors or outside, have a 5-litre sanitiser capacity – eliminating the need to continually refill.

The Tri Station has a number of beneficial features:

  • Stainless steel construction
  • Easy to clean material
  • Available in a variety of colours
  • Custom branded options available
  • Can be used inside or outdoors
  • 5 litre sanitiser capacity

Available in a wide range of colours, the Tri Station is suitable for businesses and organisations such as schools, colleges, retail outlets, sports centres and sports clubs, offices, and construction sites.

The Tri Station can be delivered to anywhere within the UK.

For more information please visit www.tristation.co.uk or call 01474 240 222

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The next generation of angle grinding

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The next generation of angle grinding: Makita has launched four new 40V brushless angle grinder models as part of its exciting new XGT range – Makita’s new, powerful cordless 40V lithium-ion battery platform, affording users with high levels of power for demanding jobs with the flexibility and portability of cordless.

For professional use in high demand industrial applications, the new brushless angle grinders are engineered to deliver the power and performance of a corded machine, without the hassles and restrictions of a cord. With the equivalent power of a 1,100W corded grinder and a no load speed of 8,500rpm, the new products feature fast and easy angle adjustment with a toolless guard system to help make working more efficient and convenient.

The next generation of angle grinding

The next generation of angle grinding

The new XGT 40V Max GA005G and GA004G Angle Grinders operate with a slide switch and with 125mm and 115mm wheel diameter options respectively. The new XGT 40V Max GA013G Angle Grinder with 125mm wheel diameter and the GA012G Angle Grinder with 115mm wheel diameter are both operated with a paddle switch function.

With enhanced safety in mind, the low vibration grinders include an electric brake and Makita’s Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT) turns the motor off if the rotation speed suddenly slows or if the wheel is forced to stop. Furthermore, the anti-restart function prevents accidental motor start-up when a battery is inserted with the switch locked on and the new push guard system provides operators with seven pre-set positions ready to use straight away.

The new grinders have been designed to ensure long term durability in challenging environments, with large bearings that support the motor and a new switch design to reduce contact wearing. The soft start function also works to suppress start-up reaction, so start-ups are smoother and the gear life is prolonged. For ease of operation, the side handle can be adjusted for left or right-hand use, depending on operator preference or workspace.

In addition, the brushless motor optimises battery use – resulting in long run-times per charge – and efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application. And since there are no carbon brushes, a brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently for longer life.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “The new 40V angle grinders offer high power and performance for continuous heavy-duty cutting and grinding, all fuelled by our new XGT battery platform with efficient charging and battery power that can genuinely stand up to the toughest of jobs.

“Makita continues to invest and innovate in technology and equipment that makes working easier for professionals. The new 40V XGT battery platform stands side-by-side with our industry-leading 18V LXT system and we are delighted to offer professionals with a wider choice of battery-powered solutions for a truly cordless job site.”

For more information on Makita’s range of new, high performance XGT power tools, please visit www.makitauk.com

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Makita’s new 40V line-up

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Makita’s new 40V line-up: Introducing Makita’s range of highest power cordless solutions yet: XGT 40V Max. The XGT range of machines – including combi drills, grinders, rotary hammers, impact drivers, circular saws and reciprocating saws – offers high output, durability and fast charge times, keeping you working for longer without disruption.

An introduction to XGT

XGT 40V Max is the new stand-alone cordless battery platform from Makita – with its own range of tools, lithium-ion batteries and chargers. The new 40V Max system will stand side-by-side with Makita’s industry-leading LXT platform to offer a battery solution for all applications. XGT has been built around three concepts:

Makita's new 40V line-up

Makita’s new 40V line-up

  • High power

With 40V Max power, XGT is the most powerful battery platform in the Makita range. The increased output is ideal for industrial, higher demand applications. In fact, XGT, cordless machines offer output that can genuinely rival the high power of corded tools and even some petrol engine machines.

The XGT range benefits from a completely new design – across the machines, the batteries and charging system. Instead of going for a higher voltage battery, the Makita R&D Team has developed a system with improved construction and advanced technologies to achieve optimum power and performance. When going for a higher voltage battery there is a trade-off between power and run-time. However, XGT delivers balanced run-time delivered from the new 40V Max motor and battery platform, with all the power that is required for heavier duty applications.

  • Tough design

The new XGT batteries have been engineered with durable design features to minimise damage and withstand tough environments. The heavy duty outer casing and cell holder and shock absorbing housing protect the battery if dropped. Each battery also has an IPX4 rating, which means that it is splash and shower proof, and water ingress is limited – ideal for those working with pipework or outside in unpredictable weather. Their design also prevents damage from dust.

XGT batteries also include high rigidity rails, that firmly hold the battery to the tool – making them suitable for use with high power products and heavy duty applications.

  • Smart technology

To optimise battery performance and charge times, XGT features Makita’s unique smart system technology. This in-built programme allows digital communication between the battery and the charger, as well as the battery and the tool, to provide protection against issues such over discharge and overheating. For example, if the battery has overheated, the charger will cool it down before charging begins. This significantly speeds up the charging process and minimises downtime.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “This an exciting time for existing Makita users and new users alike. Makita’s new XGT platform is the next generation in cordless technology, leading the way in both performance and intelligence. With XGT, you can experience the same high power associated with corded and petrol machines, but with the increased flexibility of cordless – making XGT the ideal solution for high demand, industrial applications.

“The complete solution of our existing LXT 18V system and the new XGT 40V platform offers even more battery-powered solutions for a truly cordless job site.”

Makita's new 40V line-up

Makita’s new 40V line-up

What’s in the range

Makita has launched a number of new products for the 40V XGT platform, each suited to high demand applications – including cutting, grinding, drilling and fixing. To maximise on site efficiency, the tools are designed to offer outstanding performance, ease of use and operator safety. The new 40V XGT line-up includes:

  • TD001G Impact Driver – delivering 220Nm of max torque and ten tightening modes.
  • HP001G Combi-Hammer Drill – providing 140Nm of max torque and 41 electronical clutch settings.
  • GA004G, GA005G, GA012G and GA013G Angle Grinders – offering the same power as 1,100W corded grinders.
  • HR003G and HR004G SDS-Plus Combination Hammers – which include antivibration technology and benefit from a HEPA filter dust collection system.
  • HS004G Circular Saw – with a no. load speed of 6,000RPM, 480 bevel capacity and AWS wireless connection facility for use with compatible dust extractors.
  • JR001G Reciprocating Saw – achieving 255mm capacity in wood and Ø130mm capacity in pipe.
  • All models are available as body only machines, or complete models with battery, charger and ADP10 Adaptor for charging LXT 18V batteries via the XGT 40V charger.

To improve durability, the new XGT tools also benefit from Makita’s Brushless motor. As there are no moving parts within the motor causing friction, wear and tear and ongoing maintenance costs are minimised. No friction also means that no energy is lost through heat production, which increases run times and keeps you working for longer – as you do not have to regularly stop to replace or recharge the batteries.

To support the new product range, Makita has also launched a selection of accessories. The 40V batteries can be purchased individually and are available in 2.5Ah and 4.0Ah versions. To minimise operator fatigue – and maximise on-site productivity – the batteries are light weight. For example, the 2.5Ah XGT batteries weigh just 100g more than 18V LXT alternatives.

To charge the batteries, Makita has launched the DC40RA 40V Max fast charger. Due to the smart system, the DC40RA offers optimised charging. For example, a 2.5Ah XGT battery can be charged in just 28 minutes and a 4.0Ah battery in 45 minutes.

For those that are currently using Makita’s LXT products, Makita has developed an adaptor that allows you to charge your LXT batteries using the XGT charger. This makes changing between tools effortless. With the adaptor, LXT batteries charge in just 22 minutes (for 3.0Ah LXT batteries) up to 40 minutes (for 6.0Ah LXT batteries).

To launch the new XGT range, Makita UK will also be offering a new redemption deal on selected models, so contractors can claim an extra 40V battery completely FREE of charge!

To find out more about Makita and the new range of 40V XGT products, please visit www.makitauk.com

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